kozlok Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 In this image, it looks like there's tape on the guns. Anyone know what color it was? Was it just to keep sea water out? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lock n' Load Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 Wow.... the color of the tape??? we don't even know if the interiors are zinc cromate or interior green I'd just use regular masking tape for that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jennings Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 It was definitely tape colored. That's for sure. J Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Huey Gunner Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 White. Have seen pictures of red tape, but those were mostly on RAF planes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hawk10 Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 (edited) More than likely, it's just plain old light beige masking tape (strange tho it might be, at one time that's the only color masking tape came in). Edited June 29, 2009 by Hawk10 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kozlok Posted June 29, 2009 Author Share Posted June 29, 2009 I don't think it's white, because it's darker than the white markings. I've seen red and yellow on RAF planes, but I've not seen a color picture of US planes with tape on the guns. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matt Roberts Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 I have also read that the tape was a quick check so that upon returning the groundcrew could see if any of the guns had jammed. But I'd think that only worked if it jammed on the first round! Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kg4kpg Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 I have seen a pic (can't remember where or what era) of a Corsair with red tape. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CF104 Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 Looks like silver tape to me. More like duct tape and not masking tape. Masking tape would never hold up to the airspeed the Hellcat flew at. BTW, it looks like the muzzles of the guns extending from the leading edge were tapped as well. Cheers, John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jennings Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I really don't think duct tape had been invented during WWII. Hell, I'm not that old and I remember when there wasn't any such thing as duct tape. They most assuredly had 2" masking tape in great quantities, witness all the Navy airplanes (and AAF airplanes for that matter) where the new markings were outlined with 2" tape and sprayed, getting a nice 2" wide stripe of the base color with overspray on the outside of it. Like a wise veterinarian once told me, "Don't look for a zebra when there's a donkey in the stall." Common things occur commonly with great frequency. J Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CF104 Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I really don't think duct tape had been invented during WWII. Hell, I'm not that old and I remember when there wasn't any such thing as duct tape. They most assuredly had 2" masking tape in great quantities, witness all the Navy airplanes (and AAF airplanes for that matter) where the new markings were outlined with 2" tape and sprayed, getting a nice 2" wide stripe of the base color with overspray on the outside of it. Like a wise veterinarian once told me, "Don't look for a zebra when there's a donkey in the stall." Common things occur commonly with great frequency. J There's a difference between masking for painting and being able to withstand 350 mph at the leading edge. Regardless that's gotta be some damn good masking tape. Anyway my description was more as an example and not meant to be gospel. Masking tape would not hold up to the air speeds subjected to it. Being in the aviation industry I know for a fact that a great amount of new innovations and advances in products come from the aerospace industry. It's highly likely that the tape is a kind of fabric with an adhesive backing. Something along the lines of a light cotton impregnated with adhesive, dope etc.... TTFN John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kellyF15 Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 lol I have seen plenty of F-15s come back with masking tape on them that was supposed to be removed after a wash Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TF51GREGWISE Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 yeah- I've seen masking tape hold on after several flights. but I think they used what ever was on hand from the ships stores. I remember way back when I was in (76-80) that we took what they had and made it work. :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CF104 Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 lol I have seen plenty of F-15s come back with masking tape on them that was supposed to be removed after a wash Probably not covering up an open hole on the leading edge though :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kellyF15 Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Probably not covering up an open hole on the leading edge though :) well, if u think about it though, the edges of the tape are facing aft. I see what ur saying though. I think it depends on circumstance. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tom_Kness Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I read a number of years ago in one of the warbird magazines, not sure if I still have the copy about they put the tape on after the armistice was signed to make sure no one was firing the guns on missions, and I'm pretty sure the pilot that wrote the article stated it was masking tape, so the light beige color would probably be correct. This work only as long as it took to realize every time you charged the guns you dropped a shell and then they had some really cheap bombing practice with .50 cal rounds. It was a pilot from either VF-1 or VF-2 that wrote it if that helps an. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RCoulter52 Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I really don't think duct tape had been invented during WWII. Hell, I'm not that old and I remember when there wasn't any such thing as duct tape. They most assuredly had 2" masking tape in great quantities, witness all the Navy airplanes (and AAF airplanes for that matter) where the new markings were outlined with 2" tape and sprayed, getting a nice 2" wide stripe of the base color with overspray on the outside of it. Like a wise veterinarian once told me, "Don't look for a zebra when there's a donkey in the stall." Common things occur commonly with great frequency. J So, then you must be a little over 67 years old? Duct tape was developed by the Johnson and Johnson Permacel Division in 1942. The original use was to keep moisture out of the ammunition cases. Because it was waterproof, people referred to the tape as "Duck Tape." Also, the tape was made using cotton duck - similar to what was used in their cloth medical tapes. Military personnel quickly discovered that the tape was very versatile and used it to fix their guns, jeeps, aircraft, etc. After the war, the tape was used in the booming housing industry to connect heating and air conditioning duct work together. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kurtd123 Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 I did some research on Corsairs and found that they used 2" white medical tape. I would propose that either white or beige would be a safe guess. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
afyeats Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 (edited) Any tape involved doesn't have to stay intact in a 350 mph airstream. If is shreds, it blows off of the wing. So what? As I understand it, it was only there to keep contamination away for the guns while on the ground (or deck). And I am inclined to think that either white, tan or duck tape gray would work as well. I have to wonder, however, what tape the FAA (Fleet Air Arm) of the Royal Navy used? Or did they use any at at all? And what colour would it be? Red, white, tan or purple with green stripes ? Edited July 2, 2009 by afyeats Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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